Just as the teachers and students of the Shrek Academy were under immense pressure and deeply worried about the upcoming competition.
Also on the top floor of the Mingyue Hotel, in another, more luxurious and spacious suite.
The team members from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy were also gathered together, discussing the competition two days later.
However, in stark contrast to the almost stagnant and oppressive atmosphere on Shrek's side, the atmosphere on Sun Moon Team's side was relaxed and cheerful.
They have absolute and unquestionable confidence in ultimately winning the championship.
This strong self-confidence stems from the confidence derived from their strength, which allows them to discuss any potential opponent with a calm and composed attitude.
The team leader for this trip was Ren Jun, who was standing in the center of the room, sharing the information he had just gathered with the team members who were sitting together.
"Among the Shrek Academy participants, several were reserve team members from the previous year: Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Wang Dong, and Dai Huabin. You're all quite familiar with them."
"As for the others, such as Cao Jinxuan and Xiao Xiao, we had some contact and got to know them during the exchange and learning activities two years ago."
He glanced around at his relaxed-looking teammates and drew his final conclusion. "Objectively speaking, based on the strength they've demonstrated, they pose no real threat to you."
As the organizer, the Sun Moon Empire, with its vast intelligence network, had already thoroughly investigated all the participating teams, especially its old rivals like Shrek.
With Ren Jun's clear explanation, the team members gained a clear understanding of the lineup and approximate strength of Shrek, their "number one hypothetical enemy."
Seeing the undisguised casualness and ease on the faces of his team members, Kong Xuan, as the team leader, knew he had to put them on high alert.
He tapped the table lightly, drawing everyone's attention. In a low voice, he said, "Despite having a significant advantage, that's no reason for us to underestimate our opponents. If we can win, we must win cleanly and decisively, without any room for criticism."
His gaze slowly swept over each face, and he said seriously, "If anyone makes a fool of themselves on the field because of carelessness... don't blame me for personally and doubly 'training' them afterwards."
The moment the word "practice" was uttered, the previously cheerful atmosphere in the room froze.
Almost instinctively, the participants shivered, and the relaxed expressions on their faces instantly vanished.
They Taiqing what the "training" Kong Xuan spoke of meant, and having experienced it themselves, they absolutely did not want to experience it a second time.
It can be said that after Kong Xuan's warning, everyone's joking attitude immediately became much more serious.
Then, Kong Xuan's mind began to race through the information Ren Jun had just mentioned, comparing it with the "original" narrative he knew.
As expected, his involvement led to many changes in the lineup of participants for this competition.
First, three important sects have not shown up.
Tang Sect, Holy Spirit Sect, Snow Demon Sect.
Snow Demon Sect, also known as the Body Sect.
Under Kong Xuan's influence, the Body Sect has now broken away from the Heavenly Soul Empire and established a deep partnership with the Sun Moon Empire's Worship Hall, their relationship so close they're practically inseparable.
Therefore, it is perfectly normal for them not to participate in this competition.
As for the Tang Sect, when Huo Yuhao was abducted to the Sun Moon Sect by Kong Xuan, Tang San's plan to make the Tang Sect rise again had already gone terribly wrong.
Moreover, Shrek Academy currently struggling to survive, beset by internal and external troubles, and overwhelmed with problems. Where would it find the resources and energy to support the reconstruction of the Tang Sect?
The absence of the Tang Sect was an inevitable result.
The final Holy Spirit Sect was essentially a team disguised as a participant by the Holy Spirit Cult.
Their absence this time was due to a more direct and tragic reason.
Kong Deming used twelve Level 9 Fixed Soul Guidance Shell to completely destroy the Holy Spirit Cult's long-established stronghold along with its core members.
That Destruction blow nearly uprooted the core strength that the Holy Spirit Cult had accumulated over hundreds of years.
Having suffered heavy losses, where could they possibly find young Soul Master who met the age requirements and possessed sufficient strength to form a team for the competition?
It is worth mentioning that Tang Ya, the former leader of the Tang Sect Clan, fell into darkness due to the cruel twist of fate and became the Blue Silver Saintess of the Holy Spirit Cult.
As the Holy Spirit Cult's stronghold was reduced to scorched earth by the Soul Cannon, the short and tragic life of this girl who had been desperately seeking power and intending to restore her sect also came to an end, silently disappearing into the ashes of that earth-shattering explosion.
Bei Bei from the Shrek Academy is still frantically searching the world for Xiao Ya, whom he loves dearly.
But he was destined... to get nothing in return.
Two days passed quickly, and the day for the official start of the Continental Youth High-Level Soul Master Soul Fighting Tournament finally arrived under the watchful eyes of the entire continent.
The competition was held in a vast plain on the eastern outskirts of Mingdu.
For this unprecedented event, Xu Tianran mobilized a huge amount of manpower and resources six months ago to order the construction of a dedicated competition venue.
Today, a magnificent and imposing building, capable of accommodating over 100,000 spectators at once, has risen from the ground, its unique metallic style proclaiming the strength of the Sun Moon Empire and the advancement of its Soul Guidance Technology.
The morning mist had just dissipated in the eastern suburbs of Mingdu. Although it was still early, the giant stadium, which could hold hundreds of thousands of people, was already bustling with activity and packed with people.
The clamor was like a tangible wave, assaulting everyone's eardrums, and the air was filled with a complex atmosphere of fervor, anticipation, and tension.
At the highest point of the VIP section, the new Emperor of the Sun Moon Xu Tianran, appeared on his exclusive viewing platform under the strict protection of an elite group of Soul Engineer.
He sat upright in his wheelchair, calmly looking down at the densely packed audience below and the enormous arena.
However, Kong Xuan's gaze sharply bypassed Xu Tianran and landed on an inconspicuous man in black robes beside him.
The man was completely shrouded in a wide black robe, with no trace of his presence emanating from him, like an empty shadow.
Without a doubt, this should be a member of the Holy Spirit Cult, but it's unclear whether it's Long Xiaoyao or Zhongli Wu.
"Buzz--"
As the Amplifying Soul Tool emitted a low buzzing sound, the entire venue gradually quieted down.
Xu Tianran's voice, amplified by the Soul Tool, carried an air of authority and a hint of metallic quality, clearly resounding throughout the entire East Suburbs Arena.
Without much preamble, after a few brief, official remarks showcasing the grandeur of the empire, welcoming guests from all sides, and wishing the competition a success, he loudly proclaimed. "I hereby declare the All-Continent Youth High-Level Soul Master Soul Fighting Tournament officially open!"
"Boom!!!!"
A tremendous roar erupted once more, accompanied by fireworks exploding in the air, instantly igniting the atmosphere!
As is the tradition of previous competitions, the first match after the opening ceremony will be played by the previous year's champion team, which can be regarded as an exhibition match to set the mood for the entire audience.
The previous champion was none other than the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy!